Navigating the new

All thanks to God that the churches are open, Mass has resumed, and things are beginning to look somewhat "normal" these days. It's kind of troubling to me that there is such inconsistency but, then, that's human nature isn't it. We all need to "do it our way" and, as such, nothing is ever exactly the same. For example...

- The Masses have resumed but look quite different depending where you choose to attend. One church has a very lax mask policy and Communion comes at the time it always has (which, to be fair, is not in keeping with the bishop's directives...even though I like it better that way).

- One parish we've attended has reinstated the use of Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. Again, to be fair, it was Sunday Mass. Still, it made me kind of sad. One of the big blessings of the pandemic Mass directives was knowing you would always receive Communion from a priest.

- It seems Communion on the tongue is also one of those "depends where you go" things. We have never been denied that form, even at a parish where our friends claim it was forbidden. After hearing that, I looked at dh and said, "I guess we're those people then...the ones who insist on having their way." Promise...it wasn't intentional. There was no announcement when we were there and they are not, canonically, allowed to forbid it, even though some do.

I've heard about one older priest who denies Communion on the tongue and if he is afraid for his safety, so be it. It's still Jesus and I trust that He knows it isn't our preferred way to receive. I suppose, if you're really obstinate about it, you can just not go. There's no sense arguing, though, since that just makes you look bad. We all need to do more "pondering in our heart" and less verbalizing our slights and demands.

So, we'll press on and navigate the new normal. We are grateful for the Mass and the Eucharist and Adoration and one very, very important thing that has come about recently.

If you read the last entry, you know I was fussing over one human mucking up the whole of the Holy Spirit's good work. Of course, I was wrong. Even if that person did mess things up (we'll never know) God did His usual work of bringing so much good out of hardship.

We had hoped that our #5 would make his First Communion at his Godfather's first Mass as a deacon. When that was denied, I had a bit of a snit (see previous post). As I get older, I'm amazed that the snit is even necessary. I know that God will work it out. I'm ashamed at my lack of trust.

Work it out He did, in the most amazing way. We were allowed to have the First Communion at our home parish, during daily Mass, with #5 being the only recipient. Having it "our way" would have meant having a very tiny part (rightly so) of a bigger celebration. Having it God's way meant our pastor using the homily to question and teach our little one all about Jesus' love for him, and all of us, expressed in the Eucharist and the importance of the sacrament each time we receive.

Many years ago we attended the First Communion of a friend's son. Daily Mass, personal homily, wonderful example of how First Communion can and should be. I remember thinking that no one who was there would come away with the idea that this host is a symbol and not Jesus' actual body and blood. The priest made it so clear through his own awe and reverence...the memory of it has remained with me to this day. We are so blessed that our last little one went to meet Jesus in the Eucharist in such a similar fashion. We are so grateful for this good that came from such an uncertain time. (Please keep #2 in your prayers as he continues to wait for his Confirmation day. I know that God has it well in hand but, as you know, I get antsy ;0p).

Our dear Fr. Robin. He baptized #1 and was good enough to con-celebrate
First Communion Mass
for #5

Greeting Godmomma

I took two pictures. He is my last kid. Forgive me. 

Grateful for our wonderful pastor. He is a teacher at heart and he gave us a wonderful lesson on the Eucharist. He also mentioned that our boy should be open to a priestly vocation. So important and so rare these days. 

Our beloved Miss Terri. She is ill with cancer and treatment after-effects but still insisted on attending because "I was at the first four, I wouldn't miss the last!" So blessed by our decade and beyond with this treasure.

Happy sibs and the secret service guy ;0)

This was taken at Deacon Scott's first Mass because we didn't get one on the actual Communion day. Oh well, I have a feeling we'll be in this space a lot more often in the coming years. (More on the hat another time)

The takeaway, I suppose, is this...trust that God knows you and knows what is best. In these uncertain times, we want so much to be in control and when things don't go as we would like, we are so quick to question and complain. What if, instead, we were quiet and prayerful and asked God to show us what He is doing in this situation. You never know...the outcome might be beyond anything you could have imagined.

We are blessed.

Exhale...

The last time I wrote, it was our first Sunday of quarantine. Coincidentally (ahem) I'm writing this post on, God willing, our last Sunday of quarantine. All thanks to Him, in-person Mass will resume tomorrow! (Yes, there are masks and fewer people but finally we get to receive Him in the  Eucharist!) It hasn't been 40 years in the desert, not even close, but it has been a long period of waiting and I am so grateful that it is ending.

Today is a really-amazing-Catholic-trifecta kind of day. It's PENTECOST;  the birthday of the Church; the day the Holy Spirit descended to the Apostles and the world to send them (and us!) out to spread the Gospel to the world. We attended holy Mass at the Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady in Dallas, TX this morning

Simplicity, Gregorian Chant...beautiful

The priest who gave the homily spoke about the non-pandemic occurrence of Pentecost...that Jesus breathed on the Apostles and in those droplets, the Holy Spirit inflamed them to go preach the Gospel message...even to their death. That exhalation began the one, true Church and it has produced so many Saints over the last 2,000 years. Our call, he said, is to give up our plans and ideologies and simply inhale the Holy Spirit so that we may be clear about and fortified in our personal mission. 

Today is also the Feast of the Visitation; when Our Lady made haste to her cousin Elizabeth to announce the amazing news of the Incarnation. Upon her arrival, Elizabeth speaks to her as "the mother of my Lord" ... it's one of my very favorite parts of the entire narrative. It is the story of two women coming together to give all glory to God. Wow. These women were exceptional yes but, ultimately, they are perfect examples of those who breathed deeply of the Holy Spirit and went about on their personal mission. No fear, no hesitation, no personal goals...just living out the movement of God in their lives. How grateful we should be to Our Lady for her "yes" and how quickly we should share our "yes" with others. 

Third, this is the 4th anniversary of my Consecration to Jesus through Mary. I think it was actually a reconsecration because it was my second or third. Yes, that's right. If you haven't Consecrated yourself, go get one of these 

this is the more traditional, prayer heavy one

this is a better choice for first-timers

then plan your Consecration day (helpful charts in the back) and get down to it. I'm not answering all the questions about "but isn't that Mary worship?" Go watch Fr. Gaitley's video lectures...he'll explain it all. For my part, I just want you to work through it and see all the amazing changes Our Lord can make in you, simply by giving yourself to His mother. She will lead you to Him in ways you have never known and help you to stay close even in the most trying situations. If you've made the Consecration, don't forget to reconsecrate yourself periodically, even every day, and go through the readings once a year or so. This is one of my new goals...join me.

So, let's inhale as often as we need to...when we find ourselves low on grace and the Holy Spirit. Inhale the scriptures; inhale the Mass; inhale silence and fasting. Whatever you need to do, call out for the Holy Spirit to come to your aid...in haste (these aren't just funny coincidences...really!)

I would be remiss (and my title would be meaningless) if I didn't also remind you (and myself) to exhale often. Yes, God is in control and yes, He will make all things good. We were blessed to go to Confession as a family yesterday and my very wise priest said, "God is always good...He can't be anything else, but that doesn't mean people and their free will can't do very bad things as well." 

I can assure you that was not him speaking...it was Him speaking. How do I know? Well, just that morning, after a week or so of prayer and right hope...of four people listening to the Holy Spirit and agreeing on the goodness that could only come from Him...suddenly and completely derailed by a fifth person who chose to listen to the Earthly voices. I'm not going to beat this person up too badly. I can pontificate about Mary and Elizabeth and everyone's "yes" but, honestly, it's hard to have the strength to stand up to worldly things and say "yes" to God when it might mean persecution for you. We're all called to be saints but many, many of us are too weak to be Saints. It's OK. God works with everyone where they are. We may, in time, gain our "S".

Which brings me back to the Consecration and the exhale. The news of this denial of something that seemed so clearly "of God" and the disappointment resulting for two people whom I love dearly... well, my reaction wasn't "Yes, God, thank you for this cross...allow me to carry it along with you and gain graces for myself and others." I did pray and will continue to pray for the person who didn't embrace their "yes" and for their strength in the future to take the difficult road when needed.

Other than that period of mercy, I acted like a baby for a while. I will say this; the "while" was shorter than it would have been 5 or 6 years ago. It's probably a little bit of aging (and realizing how disappointing people can be, myself included, because of our human weaknesses) but I'm certain that the bigger part is Our Lady reminding me to show mercy. She loves us so much. She wants us to live lives that will insure our future in heaven. She aches when we turn away from our mission. Loving our neighbors...even the trying ones...is part of our mission. 

Also, unlike 5 or 6 years ago, I knew what to do. Sacraments impart grace and so we approached the only Sacrament available (see above). Confession, when the sin is fresh, is a great gift. The burden is lifted almost immediately and, although there is still penance to do, it feels wonderful to turn in the right direction- back to God.

Today was a gift, beginning to end. We slept in, watched Mass as a family, then visited each of our three parishes to receive a Pentecost blessing. How wonderful to see Jesus in the Eucharist and know it's only two more days (God-willing) until we are again joined Sacramentally. 

One of our dear priests, blessing the cars who stop by. 

Tonight we took the ending hour of Adoration at our local parish. 

Again, pure joy, knowing that soon the separation of glass and monstrance will be no more. We will once again be directly in His presence. We are so blessed!

This year we had an extended Lenten fast. It has been difficult and long at times and yet so much good has come from it - so many extra hours with family because the added errands and activities were removed, the extra Masses and hours of Adoration, even the return to Mass with only the priest to distribute Communion. Perhaps, going back to some of the "old ways" and with fewer distractions, we will remember why we are here and Who is in charge. So go ahead and take a long, slow inhale...then exhale and get on with your mission. The world is depending on you.

Our first Sunday "in"

Were we quarantined last Sunday? I don't even remember. I guess not, but we went to Vigil Mass so I think we stayed in even though we didn't have to. Oh well, hindsight and all of that.

So, today was a week since everything in our known universe was cancelled. Luckily it's also Laetare Sunday - we're halfway through Lent!

From the entrance antiphon:

“Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast.”

I know it seems like rejoicing is the last thing on peoples' minds. There is a rampant virus floating about, people are acting strangely (hoarding food and not really listening to mandates from the government), we are forced to watch Mass on our televisions instead of sitting in the pews. So, if you can't manage that level of "joy" right now, tuck it away until the day comes when this has all passed and we're back again to our regularly scheduled lives. 

That's in italics for a reason. The one thing that this week has been is unscheduled (except for the online classes - cue moaning from the kids involved). We have been floating somewhere between vacation and depression but definitely in a not-normal fog. The kids and I have been progressing through stomach flu, our washing machine has been broken, I haven't left the house in 6+ days, and in all of it I don't think I've raised my voice (except relating to one particular person and those of you with teens may be able to relate). Definitely not-normal. 

So, yesterday was Sunday and I've been reading about the fact that, not only should you be live-streaming Mass, you should also make an effort. In other words, don't just wander into the room and sit down; present yourself as you would (or even better than) you've been doing when attending Mass in person. So, we got up, had breakfast, then got dressed in Sunday clothes (this is a big deal after 6 days of sweats). 

pre-Mass instructions

I admit I've been enjoying the ability to just pop here and there for Mass each day. Today we're at a parish in our diocese, yesterday in Philadelphia...maybe Stockbridge or even Canada somewhere. It's going to fill my travel-void if this quarantine continues while we're supposed to be on pilgrimage!

Today we settled on our own St. Anthony's Chapel because, following the 11:30 Mass, they were going to have a procession and blessing with some special relics (St. Rocco!) to ask their intercession against COVID-19.

We went to St. Anthony's for Mass a few months ago and DH said, "this is definitely a Catholic's paradise - going to Mass among all of these Saints." He's right. It's so comforting to have them nearby, even via livestream, in the midst of life these days. 

The Mass was beautiful, with the Sanctus and Angus Dei, sung Gospel and a homily that included, "Usually the Lent that God gives us is much better than the one we choose for ourselves." Amen. The procession,  Litany, and prayers were a comfort to us who are currently fasting from the Eucharist. No matter where we find ourselves, we can remember that all we need do is invoke the Saints and angels and we are never alone.

After Mass the kids got to work. One of our dear priest-friends, who we met through our beloved Sisters of the Divine Redeemer, is celebrating his 60th anniversary of Ordination on Wednesday. What an amazing accomplishment. What a wonderful priest. He is old-school and not afraid to say what's what (he's also Slovak which makes that first part redundant). He calls me "Susan" in the most delightfully stern voice and always tells Gianni to "mind your mother and father". 

What do you give a priest who's had 59 years of Ordination anniversaries? We decided on prayer. A spiritual bouquet - more prayers for someone who has prayed for so many throughout his life. 

I totally reused a Valentine jar from years ago but it seemed to work. 

DH decorated the bag

For those who are worried...we called ahead, left the bag on the porch and rang the bell. As we were pulling away, Sister Ann opened the door and took the bag inside...

Let's pray for Fr. Ed and all of our priests. Those, like Fr. Ed, have worked hard their whole priesthood and now are at risk for the virus that is circulating. Those who are in active ministry are working and carrying the stress we're passing along to them. Pray for your priest by name today then pray for all the priests you've known and those you will never meet. Pray that Our Lady will keep them in her mantle and protect them. Ask that God open their hearts to be even more selfless during this time so that they might meet the needs of their flock and pray for them without ceasing.

We are blessed. 

The last Mass

Last night we went to Vigil Mass at one of our two "home" parishes. We were blessed that, much to our surprise, the celebrant was our beloved priest, Fr. Robin. Fr. Robin has been with us an extremely long time...

Yes, that's Silvana...it's been that long!

It was an especially blessed evening because the homily was about the woman at the well. How our lives should be only about seeking that Living Water that will forever quench our thirst and keep us for Eternal Life. "After all," Father said, "our goal is to get to Heaven...that's why we're here. That's what we should always be doing; trying to get to heaven."

It's remarkable because this man turned 80-years-old in December and because he struggles with respiratory issues. During a weekend in which the faithful were dispensed from Sunday Obligation (if they were afraid to venture out because of the new coronavirus) this old, unhealthy priest stood before us, leading us to Heaven. There have been calls by priests to "stay away" from Mass (one said, if he were us, he wouldn't attend...huh? I guess it's good you're not us!). How wonderful to see this priest living his faith and being such an example to those of us in the pews.

I hear you - by going to Mass, we are responsible for someone's death! Seriously? Why is that only the cry about Mass? No one says that if you're going to the movies or the mall or the grocery store. There has been a direct assault on the Church and sadly, as the recent letter from the Pope stated, many priests are acting more like businessmen than priests. It's been a sad display to me but it's certainly isolated the priests who are more about self-protection and less about faith and serving the people. Perhaps out of altruism and perhaps not but true colors have shone through.

So, we're here. All Masses have been canceled for the foreseeable future. Sacraments? They'll get back to us. It's going to be a difficult time. I am grateful that our local church remains open so that we can at least visit Jesus in the Tabernacle and pray for an end to this virus and the surrounding hysteria.

I feel sorrow for the people who have died from this illness and more sorrow for those who have forgotten that we can do all we can do but, ultimately, if you want a miraculous healing, it's not going to come from human hands. Only He can bring that about. Lord, make haste to help us!

We are blessed. 

Things I'm learning from Coronavirus

1. People seem to like to live in a hysterical place. They must, because they take half a headline from a questionable source and they run with it like God told them so. No data is necessary, just emotion, please.

2. The slothful pace at which our state is reporting new "proposed" cases (what does that mean?) is not really holding my attention or making me want to move to hysterical mode (see#1).

3. It would seem there are a lot of people, some of them priests, who aren't prepared to die. That second part breaks my heart. I get that none of us are looking forward to it but it's going to happen to everyone so do us all a favor - if you're afraid, don't try to make it a joke on your social media...it just makes you look really, really weak.

4. I realize that myself, or a member of my family, may somehow contract Corona and may, possibly, die from it. I'm not trying to be cavalier. I'm just letting you know that I know the possibility exists. No one is immune.

5. I'm not health professional but I'm wondering...why are we closing churches before cancelling basketball games? Why are we suspending Sacraments before closing malls and movie theaters and schools? Seems like we've lost our way a bit. Or more than a bit.

6. If you happen to see me sweaty and disheveled in public, I'm not suffering fever from the newest pandemic. In truth, I just got off the treadmill, or off the aerobic step, and I needed to run somewhere to pick up someone from some activity. I am so grateful for the blessing of exercise. It has leveled my emotions and helped me deal with the hysteria that is swirling around.

7. I don't think it would be a horrible thing if schools decided to close for two weeks or so. I could really, really use the break from band.

8. Choosing to do #7 will do nothing but expedite the incidences of the virus. Do you think, even for a minute, that school kids are going to dutifully sit by their computer for 8 hours during a beautiful, sunny day? Nope, the parks will be packed and the pandemic will continue. So, I do hope they think this through.

9. Speaking of, the powers that be in our fair city simultaneously canceled the St. Patrick's Day parade, and made a strong suggestion that bars lower their occupancy total so they don't become packed with possible cases. Please, people. The parade allows people to walk around the city as they drink. Canceling that, where do you think they're going to end up? You could have consulted the "man on the street" for that one.

10. I am truly grateful for the people in my life that maintain sanity during this time of trial. Those who are faithful and calm. Those who see the light at the end of the tunnel. Also for the ones who literally just dropped off a truckload of bikes/scooters and a pogo stick! I love when phys ed is delivered. You know, so we don't have to go "out there".

Thanks for listening. I kind of needed to get that out. Now I'm going to enjoy the beautiful day. May God overlook our lack of trust and have mercy on us all. Pray an extra prayer today. Ask God to help us - He's the only one who can.

We are blessed.

(btw, they seemed to have removed spellcheck so, sorry for any misspells...I'm a Hooked on Phonics kid!)